FACE-LIFTS

With the failures of such new series as Faye Dunaway’s It Had to Be You and Valerie Bertinelli’s Cafe Americain, the supposedly surefire formula of putting familiar faces in sitcoms seemed to be misfiring. But Fox introduced two new comedies starring old TV pros-George Carlin and Henry Winkler-and while neither is an out-of-the-box smash, both are showing surprising signs of life. Carlin’s eponymous show debuted in 32nd place on Sunday, improving on the performance of its predecessor, the Don Rickles dud Daddy Dearest. And while Winkler’s Monty premiered in 77th, it still qualified as Fox’s highest- + rated Tuesday series ever. The news isn’t as good for Homicide: Life on the Street. After a top 15 finish for its season premiere last week, Barry Levinson’s critically adored police drama slid to 38th. Last Viewers* Top 20 Week